| Engineer Bureau |
| June 9th, 1863 |
| |
| Hon. Jas. A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
| |
| Sir, |
| In view of the great importance of rapidly
constructing the Piedmont Rail Road, now progressing slowly for want
of labor which it is represented cannot be obtained, I respectfully
request that orders be issued to the enrolling officers of the State
of N. C. to impress fifty per cent of the able bodied free negroes
between the ages of eighteen and forty-five & send them to
Greensboro to labor on the above important military connection. |
| An agent will be on hand to receive them. |
| Very Respectfully Yours |
| J. F. Gilmer |
| Col. of Engrs. & Chf of Bureau |
|